Deadwood, SD

Our last stop in South Dakota was in Deadwood, where the whole city is considered a National Historic Landmark.

Deadwood of the past was known for its gold rush in the 1870s that brought along with it gamblers, brothels, saloons, and a general lawlessness. But Deadwood is probably most famous for being where Wild Bill Hickok was murdered by Jack McCall.

Deadwood of today features a downtown with casinos, shops, restaurants, and bars, many of which are named with a nod to the past: Calamity Jane this, Wild Bill that, Goldrush something, and Silverado something else. During the peak season of summer there's also a daily reenactment of the shooting of Wild Bill (we unfortunately missed the show).

We walked through the cemetery where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane are buried side by side (her dying wish). At the cemetery there is also an outlook in the back of the property that gives a wonderful vantage point to see the town of Deadwood down below.

-Amanda

PS - be sure to stop at the Antique Emporium on your way into town!

Deadwood on Dwellable

The Black Hills & Custer, SD

When we left Mount Rushmore we continued driving through the Black Hills. We were thrilled to be driving among the forested mountains - it was a very welcome change of scenery.

On our drive we made a stop at the Crazy Horse Memorial. We somehow didn't realize that the monument is still being constructed, and the entrance fee ($10 per adult or $27 per carload) seemed pricey for something that's not yet finished. It does help soften the blow to know that these fees are the primary source of revenue for finishing the project and that there is a museum onsite to tour during your visit. But had we done more research and realized all this, we would have skipped paying to drive in to the complex and instead viewed the monument profile from the road, like many others were.

We made our way to the town of Custer, SD, which is said to be the oldest town established by European Americans in the Black Hills region. We grabbed a late lunch of bison burgers and local beer at some small tavern and walked the main strip of town. (Ed. note: I had this explicable expectation to have a juicy, delicious, fresh, and local bison burger while we were in the heart of the Midwest. But time and time again, we ended up eating thin, frozen bison patties. I consider this one of the trip's culinary fails. -T) The building exteriors and the few swinging saloon doors add to the charm of this little town and help transport you back to the days of wild west shootouts.

-Amanda

Custer on Dwellable